1776 Reviews

Washington Post- Recommended

"...There’s no escaping the impetus for the stirring revival of “1776” at Ford’s Theatre, which welcomes its actors onstage not as quarreling Founding Fathers but as tourists celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday."

Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended

"...With the approaching 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, historic Ford's Theatre in Washington is the ideal venue for a production of 1776. Rather than a straightforward staging of the musical by Sherman Edwards (music and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book), director Luis Salgado has created a surprising and effective frame for the action."

Washington City Paper- Highly Recommended

"...There are parts of 1776 that are uncannily relevant to today—including a conversation about who counts as an American. It goes to reassure us that, bad as things are now, marred as they were then, imperfect as they always will be—America is an ideal worth pursuing, but only if we answer Adams’ call in the final song: “Is anybody there? Does anybody care?”"

MD Theatre Guide- Recommended

"...“1776” is an inherently political show that can connect history to the present when done right. Ford’s Theatre does just that in its hallowed space. Though it packs less punch than a phenomenon like “Hamilton,” it’s a product of the time it was created. If you’re looking for an evident commentary on the issues of this country and its founding, this show may not be for you. But if you’re willing to dig deeper for that message, you will find it and more in “1776.”"

The Beacon- Highly Recommended

"...Highly engaging and tuneful, the show provides insight into the debates, often profound but sometimes humorously trivial, that took place during the final Continental Congress sessions in Philadelphia."

Morris Theatre DC- Highly Recommended

"...Ford’s serendipitous 1776 is both a hoot and a holler, bringing together a lot of daunting moving parts into a ravishing, down-to-the-wire historical drama."

A Theatre-Goer's Thoughts- Highly Recommended

"...I think this 1776 is a perfect way to honor the 250th anniversary of American Independence, more substantial than a parade, more meaningful than a wrestling match or an automobile race. It is a way to critically re-examine our past and appreciate where we began. This play in this theatre in this city at this time in history, 1776 earns its standing ovations. The production continues through May 16. Do not miss it."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...It’s impossible to overlook the historic resonance that Ford’s adds to this story about America’s founding. That is not lost on Luis Salgado, who situates Edwards’ tale in Ford’s adjoining history museum, where backpack and camera-laden “tourists” roam the stage, examining costumes, artifacts, and furnishings associated with the men who made up the first Continental Congress. At rise, a notice board displayed at center stage reads “Ford’s Theatre America 250 Special Interactive Exhibit” in a nod to the nation’s upcoming semi-quincentennial."